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Experience Jamaica's rustic charm
Published: Saturday | July 23, 2011 0 Comments
Sister Maureen serves fruits to guests as they are entertained by the Rasta Village Live band, last week Thursday.- Photo by Mark Titus
WESTERN BUREAU:The Rastafarian community in St James conceptualised the Rastafari Indigenous Village to meet the needs of visitors to the island who wanted an opportunity to experience the rustic side of Jamaica. Located on the Montego Gardens property, approximately 20 minutes from the town centre; the unique two-acre attraction brings the tourist on a journey through Jamaica's natural heritage and showcases the locals' ways of life.
The experience also offers an insight into the life and culture, and some philosophical aspects of the Rastafarian lifestyle.
"The vision was just to create a space that when visitors come we give them a real-life experience ... an interactive space that gives the visitor a real-life experience of what Jamaica has to offer," said Arlene McKenzie, a director at the village.
The chants of Rastafari Village Live - the resident band - resounded across the hills of Porto Bello, as guests were served with fresh coconut water and a sampling of Jamaican fruits.
Rastafarians have always championed the need for healthy eating, while advocating against the consumption of meats and salt in diets. Therefore, a visit to the ital spice kitchen for tips on food preparation from Sister Maureen is a highpoint of the experience.
visitors impressed
"It is a wonderful experience, I wish everyone would come and experience this wonderful package," said Vancouver, Canada native Palbinder Shergin, who was visiting the island along with her family.
"We have always wanted to come, but just got the opportunity. It is indeed amazing."
The village's herbal garden is considered the largest collection locally, with over 100 different species, some of which are endemic to Jamaica, and an educational [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]tour[/COLOR][/COLOR] of the plants and their uses conducted by Kanaka - the 'herbal doctor' - leaves visitors with a greater appreciation for alternative medicine.
The art-and-craft area gives the guest an opportunity to take away a piece of Jamaica.
According to Michal Lin, he and his Polish relatives made the visit a family affair, and the village has the ideal conditions of the elements of nature such as clean air, water and enough activities to positively engage the senses.
"This is really great, unbelievable actually," he said, "Never been in such an area of peace before. Jamaica is greatly fortunate to have this all to themselves."
McKenzie told Western Focus that plans are now advanced for the setting up of an organic garden, borne out of a need to increase their promotion of healthy eating.
Visitors have also been clamouring for an opportunity to experience the nightlife among the Rastafarian villagers and, as a result, a section of the space is now being prepared to build cabins for those who want to camp overnight.
The sisters of the village are also moving to establish a spa where spiritual healing and meditation, as well as 'bush baths', will be offered.
The services of Sister Maureen, a professional masseuse and reflexologist, will also be utilised. She worked as a former employee of the Sandals [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]hotel [COLOR=blue !important]chain[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] before her conversion to Rastafarianism two years ago.
"This is refreshing and I love what I do here. It takes you away from the rat race and you learn a lot," said Sister Maureen. "There are a lot of persons that have a wrong impression of Rastafarians, but when they come here, they leave with a better understanding of what we are about."
"We seek to guide the minds of the people, our people - the whole human race - to a greater appreciation of life and to live as one people. This village is a perfect example of what it entails to live in harmony."
Of great significance to the occupants of the village, however, are the signs of a more mature and positive attitude towards Rastafarianism locally, which they believe will only augur well for the future.
Published: Saturday | July 23, 2011 0 Comments
Sister Maureen serves fruits to guests as they are entertained by the Rasta Village Live band, last week Thursday.- Photo by Mark Titus
WESTERN BUREAU:The Rastafarian community in St James conceptualised the Rastafari Indigenous Village to meet the needs of visitors to the island who wanted an opportunity to experience the rustic side of Jamaica. Located on the Montego Gardens property, approximately 20 minutes from the town centre; the unique two-acre attraction brings the tourist on a journey through Jamaica's natural heritage and showcases the locals' ways of life.
The experience also offers an insight into the life and culture, and some philosophical aspects of the Rastafarian lifestyle.
"The vision was just to create a space that when visitors come we give them a real-life experience ... an interactive space that gives the visitor a real-life experience of what Jamaica has to offer," said Arlene McKenzie, a director at the village.
The chants of Rastafari Village Live - the resident band - resounded across the hills of Porto Bello, as guests were served with fresh coconut water and a sampling of Jamaican fruits.
Rastafarians have always championed the need for healthy eating, while advocating against the consumption of meats and salt in diets. Therefore, a visit to the ital spice kitchen for tips on food preparation from Sister Maureen is a highpoint of the experience.
visitors impressed
"It is a wonderful experience, I wish everyone would come and experience this wonderful package," said Vancouver, Canada native Palbinder Shergin, who was visiting the island along with her family.
"We have always wanted to come, but just got the opportunity. It is indeed amazing."
The village's herbal garden is considered the largest collection locally, with over 100 different species, some of which are endemic to Jamaica, and an educational [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]tour[/COLOR][/COLOR] of the plants and their uses conducted by Kanaka - the 'herbal doctor' - leaves visitors with a greater appreciation for alternative medicine.
The art-and-craft area gives the guest an opportunity to take away a piece of Jamaica.
According to Michal Lin, he and his Polish relatives made the visit a family affair, and the village has the ideal conditions of the elements of nature such as clean air, water and enough activities to positively engage the senses.
"This is really great, unbelievable actually," he said, "Never been in such an area of peace before. Jamaica is greatly fortunate to have this all to themselves."
McKenzie told Western Focus that plans are now advanced for the setting up of an organic garden, borne out of a need to increase their promotion of healthy eating.
Visitors have also been clamouring for an opportunity to experience the nightlife among the Rastafarian villagers and, as a result, a section of the space is now being prepared to build cabins for those who want to camp overnight.
The sisters of the village are also moving to establish a spa where spiritual healing and meditation, as well as 'bush baths', will be offered.
The services of Sister Maureen, a professional masseuse and reflexologist, will also be utilised. She worked as a former employee of the Sandals [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]hotel [COLOR=blue !important]chain[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] before her conversion to Rastafarianism two years ago.
"This is refreshing and I love what I do here. It takes you away from the rat race and you learn a lot," said Sister Maureen. "There are a lot of persons that have a wrong impression of Rastafarians, but when they come here, they leave with a better understanding of what we are about."
"We seek to guide the minds of the people, our people - the whole human race - to a greater appreciation of life and to live as one people. This village is a perfect example of what it entails to live in harmony."
Of great significance to the occupants of the village, however, are the signs of a more mature and positive attitude towards Rastafarianism locally, which they believe will only augur well for the future.
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